The Cost Associated with the Evaluation and Conservative Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Before Operative Intervention

Description

In this presentation, Corey Spencer introduces a research study focused on the costs associated with the evaluation and conservative treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis before surgical intervention. He highlights the variability in diagnostic and treatment approaches among surgeons, leading to diverse utilization of tests and treatments. The study analyzed data from the Truven Marketscan insurance database between 2010 and 2016, involving 44,640 patients, and found that the total preoperative cost over one year was approximately $24.6 million, averaging around $551.71 per patient. Office visits were identified as the highest contributor to costs at 45%, followed by injections and other treatments. Despite clinical evidence supporting steroid injections, the uptake was low, with only 49% of patients receiving them. The findings suggest older patients receive less aggressive treatment, which contrasts with current literature, indicating potential benefits from extended conservative care. This research aims to inform healthcare providers about cost-effective measures in treating thumb arthritis.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210393

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